Mixed doubles to be vital in semis

We (Goa Challengers) are over the moon to reach the semi-finals of the Ultimate Table Tennis, and that too in our debut season. But the journey is not over for us.

There are still two important matches to go for us to win the title. Our prime focus, however, will be the clash against formidable Chennai Lions.

A place in the final will at stake on Saturday and we are all excited and raring to go.

It has been a phenomenal season for us, no doubt. We began on a strong note, beating RP-SG Mavericks 11-4.

We played well throughout, other than one blip against U Mumba. That was a big loss and derailed our campaign in the middle.

But we bounced right back in our last tie, with another massive win.

We are up against a strong Chennai Lions now. We lost to them in the round-robin tie by one point and it could have gone either way. Still, we will have to play out of our skin to get the better of them.

We have put that defeat behind us and look at this meeting as a totally new chapter. Both teams will begin at zero, with a clean slate, and that is what we are going to focus on. We will go in with a fresh and open mindset.

It's going to be a very close encounter and, to come out on top, each of our players will have to give his or her best at the table.

One thing all of us need to be wary of is pressure. We can't let it affect us and we will have to play freely to achieve a desired result.

Getting a good start will be crucial and will decide the outcome of the tie.

The format is such that if you fall back, it is always going to be difficult to come back.

The Mixed Doubles match against Sharath Kamal and Petrissa Solja will probably be the key.

Having said that, we too boast of a very good pair in skipper Amalraj Anthony and Cheng I-Ching.

Personally, I am in a very good frame of mind after beating Sabine Winter. That win gave me a lot of confidence.

I have now started to realise that I have the potential to beat top-quality foreign players. So, come tomorrow, I will try to relax and play my natural game.

Archana Kamath plays for Goa Challengers